Showcolate Fondue Express Franchise Heads North
Posted on: 30/08/2006
Former President of Curves seeks to `Spin’ profits with Brazilian fondue franchise.
Showcolate Fondue Express, a fruit fondue concept that’s all the rage in South America, has partnered with former Curves International President Gary Findley to grow the franchise in the United States.
In fact, seeing promise in the Brazilian-born concept as the “next big thing” in American shopping malls, Findley immediately grabbed up 10 Showcolate franchises for himself, and recently employed his franchise consulting and development company, the Findley Group, to extend the franchise offering nationwide.
The first two of Findley’s 10 locations, one at the North Star Mall in San Antonio, TX and the other at Town East Mall in Mesquite, TX, have already attracted a loyal following among mall goers seeking something “new and elegant” as a treat or snack during shopping breaks. At the two mall kiosk locations, consumers gather around to smell and watch the cascading waterfalls of warm Ghirardelli chocolate pouring down from multiple spinning wheels.
Findley, who helped grow Curves from 50 to 8,000 locations in 8 years, says Showcolate is well poised to take on the $1.5 billion dollar gourmet chocolate segment. Started in Brazil in 2003, today more than 100 Showcolate franchises operate worldwide. The Findley Group plans to have 34 Showcolate franchises sold in the United States by the end of this year, and projects to sign deals for 130 more by the end of 2007.
“It’s one of those hard-to-resist treats,” Findley said. “Chocolate and fruit is a confection that translates across all cultures. I see Showcolate as the next big thing to hit chocolate lovers and retail malls across the country. There’s been tremendous success around the world, and the growth potential here in North America is unlimited.”
Ricardo Marques, President of U.S. Operations, says Showcolate draws on the senses of the American public. As it permeates the air with the appealing aroma of refined chocolate fondue and fresh fruit, Showcolate offers consumers a quick, elegant and healthy treat that is different from the common mall snacks, such as soft pretzels, oversized cookies or ice cream. With 20 different menu selections, from fruit skewers drizzled in milk, dark or white chocolate, to the famous ‘Sensation’ treat with up to three different types of fruit covered in two types of chocolate, consumers have a wide variety of treats to choose from.
Showcolate franchises operate from state-of-the-art kiosks of about 100 square feet, which feature the famous patented chocolate spinning wheels. Several wheels rotate at once to create a flowing stream of milk, white and dark chocolate that is eye catching, yet functional. All kiosks come fully-equipped with refrigeration and warming hardware to prepare each menu item.
“The innovative kiosk system, designed for retail malls, is made to ensure maximum profitability in prime locations,” Marques said. “With a relatively low investment ranging from $99,000-$150,000, we have taken our own spin on the popular fondue craze and churned out a new and exciting franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to expand their portfolios and invest in a concept that has already proven successful.”
Founded in Brazil in 2003, Showcolate Fondue Express offers a unique fruit fondue experience. Showcolate invented and patented the famous chocolate wheel that entices with the aroma of refined chocolate fondue. Consumers can watch as the cascading river of chocolate pours over fresh fruit. With more than 20 options, including a breakfast menu, Showcolate has cornered this specialty dessert market. Currently, Showcolate has more than 100 locations worldwide, with two in Texas and eight more to be developed. Plans call for 34 more locations in the United States by the end of 2006, and 130 by 2007.
Founded in 2004, the Findley Group is a franchise consulting and development company led by the former president and franchise-builder of Curves International, Gary Findley. Under Findley’s direction as president, Curves International experienced growth in franchises from 50 locations in 1996 to more than 8,000 in 2006. Currently, the Findley Group is working with eight innovative and exciting companies who have unique offerings for today’s marketplace. The Findley Group specializes in bringing new business concepts to the market and developing them into complete franchise offerings.
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